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Elite Sports Academy

Meet Our Team

Coaches, trainers, and athlete-development leaders building the Elite standard across sport, academics, and character.

MIKE GIOVANDO

QB Coach/OC

Coach Gio brings 32 years of football coaching, with 26 dedicated to quarterbacks from youth to the NFL. He has trained 1,500+ QBs, securing 400 scholarships and guiding players to top colleges and the NFL. Notably, Spencer Rattler (Saints, 2024 Draft) and Jack Plummer (Panthers) trained under him. Gio has run multiple Pro Days and his alumni span schools like Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio State, and programs such as the Falcons, Giants, and Saints.

LEWIS REDMOND ‘Coach Red’

Head Coach & DC/LB Coach

Lewis "Coach Red" Redmond, DC/LB Coach, is a former D1 safety with 17 years of HS coaching and 3 years as a head coach. With 20+ years as a CPT and CSCS II, he has developed elite talent, including 11 former players now competing at the Division 1 level.

RYAN "Sweetfeet" PEETE

Coach

Ryan "Sweetfeet" Peete, owner of Sweetfeet Training in Arizona, has 12+ years specializing in speed, agility, and position-specific programs. He has trained multiple D1 athletes and 5+ NFL players. With a Kinesiology background from Bethel College and GCU, Ryan partners with high schools and youth programs across Phoenix, creating customized training that builds athletic performance and long-term success.

RON SOWERS

OL/DL Coach

Ron Sowers, former ASU captain and NFL/USFL player, has 30+ years coaching in the Valley. He coached at ASU, Mesa CC, Scottsdale CC, and multiple state-championship high schools, earning 14 titles. Ron developed training equipment to improve strength, technique, and pass-pro skills, helping 100+ athletes earn scholarships, 60% at the D1 level. His career includes ASU O-line coach (’84-’85) and pro stints with the Chiefs, Wranglers, and Gunslingers.

CHRIS WOOLWINE

Track Coach

Chris Woolwine is a former business owner and current owner of EPA Track Club, a premier program known for developing elite athletes. Under his leadership, EPA has produced numerous national champions and All-Americans. With a passion for mentorship and performance, Woolwine is dedicated to helping athletes maximize their potential, build discipline, and achieve success both on and off the track.

CHRIS STUART

Sports Agent

CEO & President of Encore Sports & Entertainment, Chris co-founded the firm in 2004 and has built a reputation representing elite athletes and corporations, including Drew Brees, CC Sabathia, and Matt Kemp. Formerly with Upper Deck, he secured deals with icons like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James. A University of Arizona graduate and USD School of Law alum, Stuart launched his career with the San Diego Chargers and has been a member of the CA State Bar since 1996.

STEPHEN VILLINES

Baseball Coach

Former pro pitcher, Stephen starred at the University of Kansas, where he became the all-time saves leader and a 2x Cape Cod League player. Drafted in the 10th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Mets, he played 6 seasons in Minor League Baseball with the Mets and Rangers, reaching Triple-A. With experience across two MLB organizations, Villines now channels his playing career into coaching and player development, helping athletes maximize their potential.

BEN VILLINES

Pitching Coach

Pitching coach at Glendale CC, Ben is a former Southern California pitcher from El Toro HS and Saddleback College. After injuries ended his playing career, he spent nearly a decade developing pitchers of all ages. From 2018-2023, he co-founded Baseball Concepts in Michigan, training hundreds of athletes, before launching Baseball Concepts AZ. A Driveline-certified coach, he specializes in customized throwing programs focused on performance and arm health.

SEAN GREENE

Girls Basketball Coach

Sean Greene is CEO of Hoop Code Basketball Academy, Arizona’s leading youth basketball development organization. He is dedicated to helping athletes grow through elite training that develops the mind, body, and skill set while building character on and off the court. Under his leadership, Hoop Code provides high-level coaching from experienced players and trainers. Greene also holds an MBA in Digital Communication and Media from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

SARAH LOZANO

Head Volleyball Coach

Sarah Lozano brings more than 13 years of volleyball coaching experience across club, high school, and collegiate programs. Her background includes collegiate coaching experience with Scottsdale Community College and Arizona Christian University, as well as club coaching with Arizona Sky Volleyball Academy. Coach Lozano is known for building strong, cohesive teams and creating a supportive but competitive environment for student-athletes. She is passionate about helping players grow in skill, confidence, discipline, and teamwork while developing a lasting love for the game.

MARJAHN SCALES

Basketball Coach

MarJahn Scales is a dedicated basketball coach with 8+ years at Hoop Code Academy, developing athletes on and off the court. He is an AAU coach for Blue Chip Elite and spent two years with GCU Club Basketball. Currently, he serves as Open Division Coach at AZ Compass Prep, where he prepares athletes to compete at the highest level. Passionate about mentorship and player growth, Coach Scales is committed to building well-rounded athletes.

Student-Athlete Development

Train with Arizona’s top coaches.